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Ocala Forest Shooting Range closed for repairs March 27, 2008 The Ocala Shooting Range in the Ocala National Forest (commonly known as the Forest Road 88 shooting range) will be closed for refurbishing April 14-28. The project is funded by the Wildlife Restoration/Pittman-Robertson Act, which funds the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Hunter Safety Program. Some of the lumber for the project was donated by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau. The Ocala Shooting Range is a popular recreation facility managed by the FWC with assistance from volunteers who spend approximately 1,000 hours a year cleaning it up. Unfortunately, the shooting range is unmanned and has always been a target for vandals who destroy everything they can by shooting it. “We’re hoping people will see the re-built range and take pride in helping us keep it clean and operational, and report vandals so they can be prosecuted,” said Greg Workman, of the FWC’s Hunter Safety Program. “Those who destroy the range are stealing from those who pay for it and enjoy using it.” A new FWC rule will go in effect in July that will make it a criminal offense to shoot anything but properly positioned paper targets at the range. “Hopefully if people realize they may go to jail, it won’t seem like so much fun to destroy public property,” Workman said. Vandalism can be reported to either the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-3922 or to Marion County Crime Stoppers, 352-368-7867. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. For more information on the shooting range refurbishing project, call 352-625-2804. |
Our mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.
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